Drowning Death Investigation – Short Sands Beach in Oswald West State Park

Published September 24, 2011 | By Salem-News

Oregon State Police (OSP) is completing the investigation into the drowning death of an adult male Saturday afternoon while he surfed at Short Sands Beach within Oswald West State Park in Tillamook County. The victim’s name will be released Sunday to allow family additional time for next of kin notifications.

According to Sergeant Greg Plummer, on September 24, 2011 at 3:03 p.m. the incident was reported leading emergency personnel from OSP, U.S. Coast Guard, Nehalem Bay Fire & Rescue, Manzanita Ambulance, Manzanita Department of Public Safety, and Tillamook County Sheriff’s Office to respond.

Preliminary investigation indicates the 43-year old man was surfing in the area with other surfers when they noticed his surfboard flipping in the surf. After a brief search by other surfers, they found him exhausted and unconscious. The victim was brought to shore where CPR efforts started until emergency responders arrived and took over. A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flew the victim to Tillamook County General Hospital where he was pronounced deceased after arrival.